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Renew your Toastmasters Membership by March 31st!
Why Your Membership Matters Now More Than Ever
In a changing economy, the most secure investment you can make is in yourself. Toastmasters isn't just about public speaking; it’s about personal resilience. It’s where you sharpen the high-level communication and leadership skills that make you effective in any room you enter. From mastering the art of the "pivot" to building a network of motivated peers, your renewal is a commitment to staying adaptable and confident. Whatever the future holds, don’t just weather the storm—lead through it.
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🌟 Celebrate Excellence: Nominations are Now Open!
It’s time to shine a spotlight on the stars of District 2! We are thrilled to announce that nominations for the "Of the Year" Awards are officially open.
Your participation in the voting and nomination process is vital. This is your chance to help us recognize and celebrate the outstanding members, clubs, and leaders who have gone above and beyond to make our district exceptional this year.
🗳️ How to Cast Your Vote
Before you submit, please read the instructions carefully on the nomination form to ensure your vote counts toward honoring our community's finest.
- Recognize leadership and growth.
- Celebrate club achievements.
- Inspire others by highlighting excellence.
Thank you for being an active part of our District 2 community and for helping us honor those who embody the Toastmasters spirit!
The recipients of these awards will be announced at the District 2 conference on May 16th.
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 31, 2026!!
Submit your votes here!
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March Madness & April Sweeps Incentive
March can be a pivotal month for Toastmaster clubs. The excitement of District contests and the upcoming conference can be offset with the challenge of membership growth and retention.
The key to both is making sure members achieve their goals and get fulfilment out of their Toastmasters journey. There are four factors that influence membership fulfilment.
· Education: Engaging members in Pathways.
· Environment: Creating a welcoming atmosphere and sense of belonging.
· Enrichment: Encouraging members to learn from people outside their club.
· Empowerment: Offering opportunities for continued growth after original goals are met.
The District 2 March Madness Incentive combines all for factors in a fun spring activity to inspire us all to march forth on our Toastmaster Journey. By hosting joint meetings, sharing available meeting roles with other clubs, mentoring members of new clubs, and hosting joint demonstration meetings to PROMOTE area clubs, we can influence membership engagement and fulfilment.
Click the link to see your Club and Area standing in the March Madness & April Sweeps Incentive campaign.
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Welcome Abhijeet Joshi, DTM!
Our Distinguished Trainer for both the Future of Engaged Leadership and the Future of Bold Communication
Abhijeet Joshi is a technology leader at NVIDIA with over a decade of experience leading large-scale programs in artificial intelligence and advanced computing.
A Distinguished Toastmaster and Past District Director, he has inspired thousands through his leadership and delivered hundreds of presentations worldwide on AI, leadership, and personal growth.
Known for simplifying complex ideas, Abhijeet empowers professionals to communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.
In AI and Leadership: Leading in the Age of Intelligent Machines, Abhijeet explores how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership, decision-making, and innovation. Participants will discover how AI can enhance productivity and insight while learning the critical human skills—such as trust, ethics, and connection—that remain essential. Through practical frameworks and real-world examples, this session equips leaders to responsibly integrate AI into their organizations.
In The Human Algorithm: Storytelling Secrets Every Tech Leader Needs, Abhijeet reveals how effective storytelling drives influence in technical environments. Using his STAR+H framework, he demonstrates how to pair business value with human impact. Attendees will leave with a clear storytelling structure, a practical story canvas, and a ready-to-use story that inspires understanding and action.
Whether you are a manager, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, Abhijeet will help you prepare for the future of leadership.
Roxanne Spring, DTM
Conference Marketing Chair 2026
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District 2 Conference Education Sessions Scheduled
Plus More Coming Soon!
The Future of Engaged Leadership
EQ Unleashed: The Human Edge of Tomorrow’s Leaders
International Director Michael Bown discusses how emotional intelligence shapes leadership, communication, and connection through empathy, authenticity, and vision.
The Future of Bold Communication
Mastering Impactful Storytelling Through Story Arcs
Product Program Manager Abhijeet Joshi demonstrates how AI tools can help elevate your storytelling skills using the “story arc” framework. By applying this structured approach, storytellers craft narratives that captivate, engage, and resonate with audiences, keeping them interested in both the characters and their journey throughout the story.
The Future of Confident Speaking
Mapping Your Path to Leadership Success
This workshop is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the Toastmasters Pathways program. Toastmaster Guides will support participants in establishing a project vision, forming an advisory committee, and crafting an elevator pitch to effectively communicate their project vision and attract team members.
Beachball Communication
This workshop is intended to provide a thorough examination of individual communication styles and their influence on team engagement and organizational support. Participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of beachball communication and acquire insights into how effective interaction with peers can contribute to their professional success.
Information on other educational sessions to come.
For more information on the conference, please visit -
https://www.d2tm.org/2026-conference
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Be the spark!
Bring your employer on board as a Conference Sponsor.
Big changes often start with small actions—and this is one you can take today. You already believe in the value Toastmasters: your growth, your connections, the confidence it builds. As a member, you’ve seen firsthand how powerful this community is. Now extend that by inviting your employer to be a sponsor at the May 2026 District 2 Conference.
By introducing this sponsorship opportunity, you’re helping your employer do both—invest in their people and strengthen their presence, all while supporting a cause you’re already passionate about. You could be the reason- your action can turn possibility into a long-term collaboration. Don’t know where to start? We have you covered with ready-to-use materials - email templates, sponsorship levels at the Club Comms and Sponsor Kit - Google Drive site.
Have more questions? Contact Rekha Nair, DTM
District 2 2026 Conference Sponsor Committee.
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Bring the Fun — and Win Big!
Donate a Basket for the 2026 D2 Toastmasters Conference
Get ready for the 2026 District 2 Toastmasters Conference! We’re inviting all clubs to contribute a themed basket or gift card
valued at $50 or more for the conference raffle — a highlight of the weekend that celebrates voices, connections, and club pride.
Bonus pride points for clubs to take a photo of their basket and submit for display on Starburst & D2 conference website!
Shout out to clubs that have already donated baskets: Redmond Nights Toastmasters, Public Speaking Northwest, and Valley Club Juneau.
Clubs wishing to donate a basket attending the Division G
contest on March 28, please bring your non-perishable basket with you.
Bonus pride points for clubs that take a photo of their basket and submit it for display on Starburst and the D2 conference website!
To participate, go to 2026 CONFERENCE | District 2 Toastmasters to
complete the online contact form, or email Patrice Tabor at patricetabor@gmail.com with:
- Basket Coordinator/Club Contact
Quick Reminders:
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Clubs cannot use Toastmasters funds (D2 dollars) to purchase basket items or gift cards — members contribute their own items.
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Once your basket is assembled, send a photo and club info to be featured on the D2 website and Starburst!
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Drop off nonperishable baskets at Division contests in March. For perishables, contact Audrey at aperkins1888@gmail.com to arrange pickup.
Notification deadline: April 15. Let’s make this year’s
raffle the best yet!
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Which Ticket is the best fit?
Initiate Your Circuit Today — Secure Your Conference Ticket.
It is my pleasure to present options to being Future Ready with your Conference Ticket!
🤝 Helping Hands
Here’s your chance to be behind the scenes — and in the action.
Give us 4 hours of service.
Get your conference ticket for just $100.
Serve. Connect. Lead. Experience it all.
Spots are limited — when they’re gone, they’re gone.
Entrepreneurs Check this out:
Silver Mic Sponsor $250
- Featured Quarter-Page Ad in Conference Program
- Verbal Brand Recognition from the Main Stage
- Standard Brand Innovation Site
- One Conference Pass
Broadcast your club:
Consider Sponsorship Options & Club Incentives
Incentive 1: Prime Circuit
Four members purchasing their conference tickets by April 15th entitles your club to have a quarter-page ad in the conference program as well as a shout out!
Incentive 2: Complete Circuit
Clubs with eight members purchasing their tickets by April 15th receive all of the benefits of the Prime Circuit level, plus priority seating at the District Conference!
Many options ACT NOW!
Early Bird Pricing ends April 1
Click link to compare & choose
2026 CONFERENCE | District 2 Toastmasters
Roxanne Spring, DTM
Conference Marketing Chair 2026
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Unlock Your Potential with Pathways Office Hours!
Get your questions answered!
Curious about Pathways or need guidance on your Toastmasters journey? We’re here to help! Wondering what the new Path Enhancements mean for you or your club? Come on by!
Pathways offer an innovative, interactive learning experience designed to boost your communication and leadership skills while fostering personal and professional growth within a fun, supportive community.
Join us this week for the Pathways Office Hour:
•Date: Monday, March 16th
•Time: 5:00 – 5:00 PM Pacific Time, 4:00 – 5:00 PM Alaska
Hosted by: Karen Lezon
This session is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, gain valuable insights, and enhance your Toastmasters experience, whether you’re new to Pathways or seeking targeted advice.
Don’t miss your chance for personalized support— Register Now!
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Karen Lezon at kmlezon@comcast.net
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PROMOTE
DISTRICT 2 INCENTIVE
Use your websites, social media platforms, and other channels to advertise special events like interview prep meetings, panel discussions on current topics, and themed open houses to deliver Public Relations about Our Members Outside of the Toastmasters Ecosystem: PROMOTE.
Upload the evidence into the Incentive Tracker and earn 25 D2$ for your club if these actions are completed between February 16th and May 1st.
P.R.O.M.O.T.E. is a plan that harnesses the power of many to have a singular impact on our club’s prospects. Promoting Public Relations about Our Members Outside of the Toastmasters Ecosystem is the most potent tool we have to attract new members to our vibrant and impactful community.
We have two sessions specifically tailored to identify how each Club Officer can contribute to PROMOTING their Club, District, and Toastmasters. For those of you that were not able to attend, the link to the recording will be posted to the D2 YouTube page within the week.
In the interim, reach out to your PRM if there are promotion topics that you'd like us to offer so that we can take our district to new heights!
Let’s leverage one another, Toasties! We possess all the power that we need, and we know how to use it wisely!
Your District 2 Public Relations Manager,
Marty Varela, DTM
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 36
The Hidden Cost of Last-Minute Leadership: When leadership is rushed, PRESENCE gets crushed.
In club leadership, waiting until the last minute to complete important tasks does more than create stress. It can cost your club real opportunities. When officers delay communication, planning, and follow-through, clubs can miss District 2 incentive dollars, rush speech contest preparation, and lose valuable time to recruit and train next term’s officers.
This is not just a timing issue. It is a leadership presence issue.
Why? Because leadership presence is not measured only by how you perform at a meeting. It is measured by how prepared, dependable, and
proactive others experience you to be. When leadership is rushed, presence gets crushed. Confidence is replaced by scrambling. Trust is weakened by
inconsistency. Momentum slows when others must react to what should have already been handled.
Three ways, last-minute leadership leaves money on the table and causes stress:
First, delayed action can lead to missed deadlines and lost club incentives.
Second, rushed contest prep weakens the experience for contestants, volunteers, and guests.
Third, waiting too long to identify future officers creates uncertainty,
leadership gaps, and a weaker transition.
CTA: Choose one important opportunity coming up for your club.
Take early action, before urgency takes over and another valuable chance slips away.
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
Connect with me on LinkedIn
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Help Showcase the Power of Corporate Toastmasters
Have you—or someone in your club—experienced how Toastmasters can make a difference at work and in their career? I’m looking for Toastmasters who would like to share how their corporate club experience has strengthened their communication and leadership skills.
As Club New Source Research Chair for the District 2 Growth Team, and as part of my Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) project, I’m creating a new Corporate Toastmasters webpage for the Toastmasters District 2 website.
The goal is to help more companies and organizations discover the value of starting their own Toastmasters clubs. The page will include a video featuring Toastmasters members who can share how their corporate club—and District 2—has helped them grow in:
- Public Speaking
- Leadership
- Evaluation and feedback skills
- Listening and communication at work
Interested in Being Interviewed?
If your corporate club experience and also your service at the area, division, or district level has been meaningful, I would love to hear from you.
- Interviews: Short Zoom interviews
Please contact Lynn Chapman at: lynn.chap@comcast.net
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Building Leaders Through Trust
By Vincent Tang
True leadership isn’t found in the perfect execution of a process, it’s found in the moment you train someone and then trust them to figure the rest out.
I’ve found that "letting go" is one of the trickiest, yet most vital, responsibilities we have in building the next generation of leaders. I think back to the first time I covered for a colleague during their vacation. I grew exponentially in that moment because I knew the safety net was gone. I was the one in charge.
In Toastmasters, we often get too comfortable with how things should be. We’ve defined the processes and it can be painful to see them ignored. Perhaps you’re training a new Vice President Membership. You notice they didn’t CC the President on an e-mail or they missed the 24-hour follow-up window. Your instinct is to jump in and "fix" it, but I’ve learned that building a leader isn't about correcting their emails. It’s about watching how they reflect afterward.
One of my biggest regrets as a mentor was leaving a mentee to their own devices without a framework for growth. I thought I was giving them freedom, but without guided reflection, they eventually stopped experimenting. They weren't learning and eventually drifted.
To avoid that trap and truly lean into your role as a leader-builder, try these two strategies:
Create "Presence-Free" Space: Give the member time to navigate the meeting structure or a new role without you hovering. If a process is truly vital, its importance will eventually become clear through the natural flow of the system.
Prioritize Reflection Over Correction: It’s easy to follow a checklist, but it’s hard to understand why the checklist exists. Instead of pointing out a missed step, ask: "How did that process work for you? What would you change next time?"
Leadership is about trust and ownership. The next time you can’t make it to a meeting, don't worry about what might go wrong. See it as the greatest gift you can give your club–an opportunity for someone else to lead.
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Professionally Speaking Celebrates 22 Years of Excellence
Professionally Speaking, an advanced Toastmasters club, is proud to celebrate 22 years of leadership, teamwork, and intentional growth.
Our chartering purpose was to accelerate members’ development—sharpening skills and elevating performance through a multi-faceted approach to in-depth evaluation.
The results are just as remarkable now as they were then. At Professionally Speaking, each speaker receives 17-minutes of in-depth, topic-specific feedback, including a round of feedback open to everyone.
We meet on first Thursdays in person and on Zoom, and third Thursdays via Zoom only, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Come grow faster and stronger with us.
Registration information: https://www.prospeakerclub.com
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4-Week Communications Course
Diamonds in the Rough Toastmasters
Build real-world communication and leadership skills in just four weeks. This guided training
program helps participants become more confident speakers, stronger listeners, and more
effective professionals.
Even though the course has begun, feel free to drop-in to learn and build your communication skills!
Go to the DIRT website or Meetup Group for more info.
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Is your club holding a special event? Celebrating a milestone? Or want people to know of a significant upcoming meeting they should join? Want to include your post here for next week's newsletter?
Fill out this form to submit your post request
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2025/2026 Starburst Submission Guidelines
We're excited to share our guidelines for submitting articles to Starburst, our official District 2 newsletter. Your club's special activities deserve the spotlight, and we're here to help you shine!
Guidelines for Article Submissions:
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Topic: Focus on club special events.
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Word Limit: Try to limit posts to 200 words or less.
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Images: You may include one image with your article. Ensure it follows the Toastmasters Brand Manual (You may have to login to the Toastmasters main Site to access) and contains minimal text. We're happy to help create one if needed. If the image doesn't meet TM guidelines, we'll work with you or recreate it if we don't hear back.
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Contact Information: All articles must include your club website and/or a contact email for more information.
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Event Posts: Submit up to three consecutive posts for a single event.
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Deadline to Submit: 5:00 PM on the Friday before the upcoming Monday Starburst release.
Submission Process:
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Use the submission form to send us your article requests.
- We look forward to showcasing your amazing events in Starburst!
If you have any questions or need more clarity, feel free to reach out to Marty Varela
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Register to receive the Starburst Newsletter
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Have a Starburst suggestion? Please check out our Starburst Suggestion Box (only 5 questions), to help us improve the Starburst Newsletter!
| | How did you like this week's Starburst? | | | | This newsletter was edited by - Marty Varela, Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is for the sole use of Toastmasters members for Toastmasters business only. It is not to be used for solicitation and distribution of non-Toastmasters materials or information. | | | | |
